A prevalent problem in the LGBT community is the issues LGBT older adults face. Some of these issues include lack of social support, unawareness of sexual health, and higher chances of drug/alcohol abuse.

SAGE Long Island is an organization that looks to help older LGBT adults face these issues. The group welcomes any older adult that identifies as LGBT and offers assistance through education and social gatherings.

“Many LGBT older adults are at risk for health disparities due to high rates of social isolation and lack of support from providers who are not culturally competent,” said Program Coordinator Alyssa Cottone, “LGBT older adults need a voice after surviving a lifetime of discrimination and SAGE-LI is that voice.”

Many of participants in SAGE LI’s program were born anywhere from 1940-1960, back in a time when being openly gay was extremely discriminated against. Some of the members have just recently come out and others haven’t come out at all. This, according to Cottone, is the main reason why older LGBT adults suffer from these sorts of health risks. However, intern Keith Billstein believes SAGE LI does enough to help these LGBT adults.

“I think the most important thing we do is the mingle events,” said Billstein, “many of these people have either just recently come out or are still in heterosexual relationships. We set up gatherings where people can talk to each other about their experiences and struggles. It helps them feel as though they aren’t alone and have someone to talk to.”

Bennett Ryan, a father of two who is a regular attendee, says that SAGE LI has changed his life.

“Five years ago, I didn’t know where to begin how to tell my kids I was gay. But not only did they accept me, our relationship has only gotten stronger, and I owe that all to SAGE.”